| | Reflection - light against dark Chiaro-scuro is a term from the art world meaning “light-dark”. It’s a technique that uses strong contrasts, which da Vinci and Caravaggio are famous for using whereby the light appears all the brighter because of its juxtaposition with darkness. This term is a helpful window into these days of Holy Week.
A chiaro-scuro method attempts to frame something that is already all-too-present and familiar in our lives: the experience of pain and joy, suffering and redemption, sickness and health, fear and hope, life and death.
We think of those who are sitting in fear of oblivion in Ukraine, in Gaza, those victims of terrorism in Israel, and other places of conflict, fearful of the flashes of light from torches, and the rain of shells. For those sitting in the darkness of health anxiety, waiting for results. For those sitting in the shadows of society, obscured from view, those who are cast aside from the places of privilege, position, or citizenship. For those who struggle with the very fact of existence, with who they are. For those who experience God as abandonment rather than abundance.
In these days of Triduum we acknowledge all of this but do so in the clarity of the light of God’s risen Son, represented by the vulnerability of a Paschal flame which “mingles with the lights of heaven” and points towards the Morning Star “that never sets”.
Easter means nothing is as it was and it is the foretaste and promise of how everything will be.
Fr Ryan Service Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield | | |
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| | Archbishop Bernard's Easter Message | | |
| Archbishop Bernard Longley's Easter Message for 2025 is now available on the Diocesan website and social media channels. In this year's message, Archbishop Bernard reflects on grace flowering anew in the season of Easter reminding us that in our lives, grace is something that is fully a gift, something so important in a world where so much else is transactional. | | |
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| | Easter at St Chad's Cathedral | | |
| Details of Masses at St Chad's can be found on our dedicated Lent and and Easter webpage, along with a wealth of resources for individual, parish and school use. | | |
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| | Good Friday Walk of Witness, Birmingham city centre | | |
| Starts at 10am on Good Friday, 18 April Come and remember the events of Good Friday with ecumenical friends across the city. The event marks Christ’s journey to the cross and starts from The Church at Carrs Lane and concludes at our Diocesan Mother Church, St Chad’s Cathedral. | | |
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| | Lead Trustee for Safeguarding | | |
| The Trustees of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust are looking to recruit a skilled, Catholic volunteer with professional experience of safeguarding to join the Board of Trustees and chair the Safeguarding Sub-Committee. We are looking for a chair to lead and inspire who brings:
• Extensive experience of safeguarding in a professional capacity
• Experience of operating at strategic leadership level
• A solid understanding of good governance practices. Closing Date: Sunday 4 May | | |
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| | Canonisation of Blessed Carlo | | |
| Is your parish/school hosting a celebration to mark the canonisation of Blessed Carlo Acutis? He is due to be canonised on Sunday 27 April and will be the first Millennial Saint to be so. Please let the Communications Team know of any special events via communications@rcaob.org.uk | | |
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| | | | Join Bishop Timothy Menezes at the candlelight prayer vigil for life organised by March for Life UK at 7pm on Sunday 27 April. The event will be held in Victoria Square, Birmingham to remember the 57th anniversary of the implementation of the Abortion Act. Please come and join in this peaceful, prayerful time of reflection with speeches from Christian leaders as we recall the lives lost and wounded from the legalisation of abortion. | | |
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| | Pilgrims of Hope: Supporting People with Disabilities | | |
| For the Jubilee year, Father Hudson's Caritas are going to host online talks to discuss their work within the Archdiocese of Birmingham and how we provide hope to vulnerable people in our local area. The first talks will be based on our disability work and are on Monday 28 April at 12.30 - 1.30pm and Tuesday 29 April at 6 - 7pm. The talks will be by the staff who work within our theme of disability. We will also be discussing how people can support Father Hudson's Caritas and also how you can support people with disabilities in your own communities. | | |
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| | Join a Virtual Pilgrimage for the Jubilee | | |
| St Patrick’s in Coventry is hosting a virtual pilgrimage as part of its Jubilee Year celebrations and all are invited to take part. You are asked to walk just one mile which will be added to the 500-mile French route of the Camino. Sister Frances at St Patrick’s said the virtual pilgrimage to Compostela will start after Mass on Sunday 27 April, and conclude on Sunday 6 July with a celebratory Mass. To kickstart the pilgrimage parish priest Fr George Bennett will walk the first mile from the church to St Brigid’s Convent on Stoneywood Road, where refreshments will be served. “One of the things which we are encouraged to do during this Jubilee Year is to take part in a pilgrimage, and you will see there are several being advertised,” said Sister Frances. “Some of us, however, cannot travel to these places for different reasons – health, finance, work or other commitments. To allow us all to take part in a pilgrimage during this special year St Patrick’s is organising a ‘virtual pilgrimage’ to Compostela." | | |
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| | Celebrating 60 Years of Nostra Aetate | | |
| Registration now open for the event on Thursday 8 May, 7pm. Jamiah Islamiyah Mosque, Birmingham. An evening organised by the Diocesan Commission for Interreligious Dialogue in conjunction with The Bahu Trust, Columban Missionaries and the Focolare Movement. This is one event of several in the lead up to the Nostra Aetate anniversary celebration later this year. 'Nostra aetate' is the 1965 Declaration of the Second Vatican Council on 'The Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions'. | | |
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| | Day Conference: 'Hope Does Not Disappoint!' | | |
| Saturday 14 June 10am-4pm. St Paul's Convent, Selly Park Birmingham. David Wells, author of ‘The Reluctant Disciple’ and ‘The Grateful Disciple’. What is Hope, why do we need it, and what difference does it make?
In a restless world of anxiety and heightened conflict, isn’t hope a bit of a luxury? When people are in the midst of struggle does Hope actually achieve anything?
In this session we will explore the great virtues, especially Hope, and consider why people all over the world are awakening to the power of a virtuous approach to Monday mornings. Hope does not disappoint! Cost: £35. Please bring own lunch. Tea and coffee provided. | | |
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| | Oppose the Bill on Assisted Suicide ahead of May's Vote | | |
| Pastoral Letters from Bishops across England and Wales were recently read out at Masses. The letters focused on the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill. Catholics are asked to contact their MPs – even if they have done so already – and urge them to oppose the Bill that seeks to legalise assisted suicide. The Bill’s Third Reading and vote are now likely this May 2025. Cardinal Nichols has expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the “deeply flawed” parliamentary process. “It is a fundamental duty of every MP,” he writes, “to ensure that legislation is not imposed on our society which has not been properly scrutinised and which will bring about damaging consequences.” Find Archbishop Bernard's Pastoral Letter on the Diocesan website. | | |
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| | Diocesan Pilgrimage to Walsingham - Jubilee Year | | |
| Fr Philip Griffin, Pilgrimage Organiser, has written to parishes across the Archdiocese inviting them to take part in this Jubilee Year day pilgrimage to Walsingham. Pilgrims are invited to Walsingham, 'England's Nazareth', on Saturday 10 May. The annual visit to the Catholic National Shrine and Basilica of Our Lady takes place every year, but given 2025 is the Year of Jubilee why not join as a Pilgrim of Hope? Pilgrims are invited to arrive at the Shrine from 11am. There will be time for them to visit the Slipper Chapel and Chapel of Reconciliation, as well as the Shrine shop and café before Mass at 1.30pm, in the Chapel of Reconciliation, celebrated by Bishop Richard Walker. | | |
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| | Book your Day Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes, Hednesford | | |
| Parish groups invited to make a visit in May, June, August or September In addition to the usual annual pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in Hednesford, Staffordshire, (July), special Jubilee day pilgrimages to the shrine are offered. On these days there will be exposition, confessions and Mass. Jubilee Day Pilgrimage Dates: Saturday 10 May
Saturday 14 June
Saturday 9 August
Saturday 13 September | | |
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| | Invitation to take Survey: Lived Experience of Catholic Families | | |
| Open until Wednesday 30 April Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales for domestic social action, is conducting this survey to assess the impact of the two-child benefit cap and the broader effects of the current economic climate on Catholic families in England and Wales. Please do take part. | | |
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| | Book now for this summer's WeBelieve Festival at St Mary's College, Oscott | | |
| A celebration of Catholic life, Friday 25 to Monday 28 July WeBelieve is a project created and funded by The Guild of Our Lady of Ransom in collaboration with St Mary's College, Oscott. This festival is a bringing together of Catholic ministries and creatives from across the UK to mark the 2025 Jubilee Year, proclaimed by Pope Francis, with a celebration of Catholic life. Featuring a diverse range of Catholic musicians, creatives and speakers, including Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray, Msgr Michael Nazir-Ali, AnMari, Fr Toby Lees and many more. This event is for everyone and you can book as a family, group of friends, parish group or individual. This festival is brand new and you are invited to build it with us. | | |
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| | | | Tuesday 20 - Thursday 22 May, The Precious Blood and All Souls, Coventry. Festival in the Jubilee Year: All My Hope, in Coventry organised by the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. With reflections by Fr David Butler, a hermit of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. | | |
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| | St Chad's Cathedral - Visitation of Fatima Statue and Relics | | |
| Saturday 28 June, St Chad's Cathedral Join us in June for the visitation of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, and the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco. Including: - Enthronement and Crowning of the National Pilgrim Virgin Statue (NPVS)
- Holy Mass
- Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- Enrolment and Investiture of the brown scapular
- Fatima Devotions
- Veneration of the Relics of Saints Jacinta and Francisco
- Fatima talk and film
- Recitation and meditation of the Holy Rosary Mysteries
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| | Jobs and VolunteeringOpportunities with the Archdiocese and other organisations Lead Trustee for Safeguarding The Trustees of the Birmingham Diocesan Trust are looking to recruit a skilled, Catholic volunteer with professional experience of safeguarding to join the Board of Trustees and chair the Safeguarding Sub-Committee. Closing date: Sunday 4 May Unlock an Extraordinary Opportunity with KYT's Mission Team!
Are you (or someone you know) aged 18–25 and ready to make a difference?
KYT's Mission Team invites you to embark on a journey of impact and transformation!
By joining the Mission Team, you’ll: - Inspire young people through engaging retreats and youth ministry.
- Develop leadership and teamwork skills while growing in faith and sharing your faith with others.
- Be part of a dynamic team, exploring and developing your gifts.
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications in outdoor education.
- Build lifelong friendships and create unforgettable memories.
- Explore opportunities for apprenticeships and further study.
- Be a positive force for change in the lives of others.
This is your chance to be part of something truly meaningful. Whether it’s leading outdoor activities, empowering the next generation, or simply exploring your faith journey, there’s a place for you on the Mission Team.
Know a young person who might be interested? Please share this exciting opportunity with them and encourage them to apply today.
Various roles at Father Hudson's Caritas including:
Foster Carers
Relief Support Worker Family Support Worker | | |
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Events and retreats beyond the Archdiocese |
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| | ADoRE spiritual mini-retreat | | |
| Saturday 26 April 10am - 1pm on Zoom. "PILGRIMS OF HOPE – LOVE MERCY.” Including Mass, Adoration, Praise, Prophecy and Prayer for the gifts of the Holy Spirit. The April speaker is John Hesketh, a Catholic Evangelist and New Dawn 2024 Keynote Speaker. John has been in Catholic ministry in a variety of forms for over 25 years. Please register for the free Zoom meeting in advance. | | |
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| | Light of Truth - Certificate in Catechesis | | |
| Join an online open evening to explore this course, Wednesday 30 April. Offered by the Dominican Sisters of St Joseph UK. A two-year, online course for catechists and for those who wish to transmit the Catholic faith to others. Explore the course before it starts in September. | | |
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| | National Conference: Reimagining Baptism | | |
| Open to clergy and catechists, Friday 9 and Saturday 10 May. Archdiocese of Southwark. Baptism is transformative, it is the gateway to Christ. Come and join a national conversation about how baptism is understood in the life of the Church today, how to reawaken a baptismal mindset in our families and all in our parishes and how might we spread the light of hope today. The keynote talk will be given by Abbot Hugh Allan O.Praem with workshops run by seasoned catechists and clergy from around the country. | | |
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| | Weekend Conference: Search for Meaning | | |
| At Boars Hill Carmelite Priory, Oxford. Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 May. This Conference is inspired by the life and work of Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross OCD), with a team of speakers, including Professor Peter Tyler, of St Mary’s Catholic University, Twickenham, London, author of “The Living Philosophy of Edith Stein”. | | |
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| | Douai Abbey Reflection Day: The Sabbath Day and the Lord’s Day | | |
| Saturday 10 May Led by Caroline Farey. The day will focus on bible texts to see how links with the Lord’s Day open up unexpected riches and to Sunday Mass. For anyone interested: no previous knowledge needed. Workshops & Reflection Days: 10.30am to 4pm. Contribution £30 made on the day (lunch, coffee & tea incl.) or £15 bring own lunch. | | |
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| | Celebrating Creation: Two Wings and Some Prayers | | |
| Prayer, walks and birdwatching, with a focus on learning birdsong at Boarbank Hall, Cumbria. Monday 12 - Saturday 17 May. A chance to celebrate and care for God's Creation in this Jubilee Year, which also marks the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si'. | | |
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| | Guild of St Stephen National Mass | | |
| The National Mass for Altar Servers is being held on Saturday 17 May at 12.15pm at Lancaster Cathedral. This is the first time the Mass has been held here and coincides with the celebrations to mark the Centenary of the Diocese of Lancaster and of course the Holy Year.
Post Mass there will be some light refreshments and there will be an opportunity for altar servers from around England and Wales to meet each other.
You must inform of your attendance by Sunday 27 April. | | |
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| | Walk the St Cuthbert’s Way for a Special Jubilee Pilgrimage | | |
| Join the Stella Maris Jubilee Pilgrimage from 26 May – 31 May and follow the ancient St Cuthbert’s Way, walking 62 miles in the footsteps of saints, monks, and medieval pilgrims, all while raising crucial funds for seafarers and fishers. This unforgettable six-day journey takes you from the historic Melrose Abbey in Scotland to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, traversing stunning countryside, rolling hills, windswept coastlines, and the renowned tidal causeway. Seafarers endure months away from home, facing isolation and challenging conditions. By participating in this pilgrimage, you will directly support vital practical, pastoral and spiritual care for those who work tirelessly at sea. | | |
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| | | | The Ecological Conversion Group and Sr Margaret Atkins of the Canonesses of St Augustine are running two care of creation retreats this year on the theme of 'The Joy of Limits'. They will be held at Boarbank Hall, Cumbria. The dates are Tuesday 27- Saturday 31 May and Saturday 4 - Friday 10 October. Celebrating: - 800 years of the Canticle of the Creatures
- 10th Anniversary of Laudato Siʼ
- Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope
The talks aim to make accessible themes of the social doctrine of the Church on care for creation. We will focus on slowing down and making room for Christ in our busy lives and finding joy in the little things. | | |
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| | Come and See Weekends 2025 at Holy Cross Abbey | | |
| Where are you staying? John 1:38 Friday 30 May - Monday 2 June
Friday 8 August- Monday 11 August We are Cistercian nuns at Holy Cross Abbey, Whitland, Pembrokeshire, inviting single Catholic women aged 25-45 who are discerning a vocation, to experience our monastic life during one of the above weekends. | | |
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| | Society of St Gregory Annual Summer School 2025 | | |
| Liverpool Hope University: from 30 July – 2 August
Jubilee 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope
The theme of Jubilee and Hope will be reflected in our liturgies and music, providing us with an opportunity to reflect on what we have learned and to consider how we might take the message of hope back to our parish communities.
Keynote Speaker – David Wells, a pastoral leader and well known speaker encouraging and inspiring
people to share the joy of the gospel, through the lens of building parish life.
Director of Music – Martin Barry, a parish musician, composer and former Cathedral Director. He is
President of Universa Laus, the international study group for liturgical music.
We welcome both Residential and Day Delegates and Bursary Funding is available.
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| | | | If you are on Facebook, Twitter/X, Instagram, Bluesky or Threads please follow the Archdiocese of Birmingham online.
Our accounts are being used more than ever before to share news, events and information.
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Archdiocese of Birmingham
Cathedral House
Queensway
Birmingham
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